Singer helps win battle for new cafe bar

nlnews@archant.co.uk
09 July 2009

A VIDEO presentation by singer Sade helped the owners of a new late-night cafe and art gallery win their fight to open.

More than 50 people had signed a petition backing the opening of Wisdom Knowledge Destiny in Crouch Hill - while 40 had signed a petition against it.

Islington Council's licensing committee granted the café, bar, art gallery and performance space a licence to open until 12.30am during the week and 1.30am at weekends.

It means the café, formerly the Rose Restaurant, will be able to show plays and films as well as host live music and dance performances.

Some residents believe the late-night venue could improve the safety of the area.

One wrote to Islington Council planners: "The corner of Japan Crescent and Crouch Hill is dark and unlit at present and is a security risk to women coming home alone late at night. The café will provide bright lighting and will improve safety in the area."

Another, who has lived in Japan Crescent for over 30 years, wrote: "I have seen the area diversify and improve greatly over my time. Anything that adds to the cultural dynamism of the area is to be welcomed."

But not everyone was pleased by the prospect of the café. More than 40 residents signed a petition in opposition on the grounds that it would add to late-night noise in the area.

A teacher, of Crouch Hill, said: "I object to the times and the prospect of having live music and DJing.

"Monday to Friday is the working week and also the school week.

"I have two teenagers in the midst of exams and to have loud noise going on till 12.30am, with people leaving and travelling at that time would be an unacceptable disturbance of their sleep.

"Friday and Saturday till 1.30am is also too late as we already have lots of noise from drunken patrons.